KIPKE GENEALOGY

This document was kindly shared by Marc Shafer (whose father was a 298th member).

Transcribed by Bob Kipke (March 2013) – Attempts have been made to maintain the original formatting, within my limited HTML capabilities, and the differences between a 1940’s typewriter and a modern computer keyboard. Formatting (inconsistent in original) such as capitalization, underlining, punctuation, use of quotes, etc. have been maintained. A typo is noted by the use of [sic] other errors are probably my own.  For ease of recognition, names are in a bold red font.

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

WASHINGTON

 

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENTAL RECORDS BRANCH, A.G.O.

HISTORICAL RECORDS SECTION

ROOM MB-858 PENTAGON

 

 

ENBN-298-0.7 (26637) Master Jul – 298th Engr C Bn


JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 1/44

To: 2400 Dec 1/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2700

0800

Dec

1/44

Co A: Constructing timber trestle bridge at Vicht, Germany; ˝ sq guarding Rotgen [sic] Dam. Co B attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co C: Maintaining roads in assigned areas; ˝ squad guarding bridge at Mulartshutte

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2701

0900

Dec

1/44

Bn Hq & H&S Co began move to new area in Vicht, Germany, arriving 1000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2702

1800

Dec

1/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 2/44

To: 2400 Dec 2/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2703

0800

Dec

2/44

Co A: Constructing timber trestle bridge at Vicht; ˝ squad guarding Rotgen [sic] Dam. Co B: Attached to 294th Engr C Bn; Co C: Maintaining roads in assigned work area; ˝ squad guarding bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2704

1800

Dec

2/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 3/44

To: 2400 Dec 3/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2705

0800

Dec

3/44

Co A: Constructing timber trestle bridge at Vicht, Germany; one-half squad guarding dam at Rotgen [sic], Germany. Co B: Attached to 294th Engr C Bn: Co C: Maintaining roads in assigned area; one squad attending Rigging School in Co Area; one squad guarding bridge at Rott and Mulartshutte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2706

0900

Dec

3/44

Chaplain Kremer held services at Zweifall, Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2706

0900

Dec

3/44

Chaplain Kremer held services at Zweifall, Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2707

[sic]

Major Earl D. Foster, Bn Ex Off, was presented the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Tribehou, France, on 21 July 44 by Maj Gen Collins, VII Corps Commander, at VII Corps CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2708

1800

Dec

3/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 4/44

To: 2400 Dec 4/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2709

0800

Dec

4/44

A Co: One platoon completing structure of timber trestle bridge at Vicht, Germany; Two platoons maintaining roads in assigned area; one half squad guarding Rotgen [sic] Dam. B Co: Attached to 294th Engr C Bn. C Co: One platoon constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; five squads maintaining roads in assigned area; one squad attending Rigging School in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2710

1200

Dec

4/44

Co A Completed timber trestle bridge at Vicht

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2711

1800

Dec

4/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec  5/44

To: 2400 Dec 5/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2712

0800

Dec

5/44

Co A attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co B: completing construction of timber trestle bridge at Vicht; maintaining roads in assigned work area.

Co C: Constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; maintaining roads in assigned area; one squad attending rigging school in company area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2713

1200

Dec 5

1944

T/4 Joseph St Pierre, Med Det, & Sgt Francik, Co A, departed for 30-day furlough in USA; T/4 Pierre for having received 2 decorations, and Sgt Franik for having been wounded twice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2714

1800

Dec

5/44

Protestant services conducted for A Co & C Co at Zweifall by Chaplain Shey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2715

1800

Dec

5/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 6/44

To: 2400 Dec 6/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2716

0800

Dec

6/44

Co A attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co B: Maintaining roads in assigned work area; constructing and revetment of timber trestle bridge at Vicht. Co C: constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; maintaining roads in assigned work area; one squad attending Rigging Class in Co Area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2717

0900

Dec

6/44

Capt Cohen, Capt Bien, Lt Domingoes, Lt Oggioni and 30 EM departed on 48-hr pass to Paris, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2718

1800

Dec

6/44

Protestant Services held near Bn CP for Bn Hq, H&S Co, and Co B, by Chaplain Shay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2719

1800

Dec

6/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord 9073776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec j7/44

To: 2400 Dec 7/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast & rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2720

0800

Dec

7/44

Co A attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co B: one platoon filling revetment at Vicht bridge; two platoons maintaining roads in assigned areas. Co C: One platoon constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; one platoon maintaining roads in assigned area; one squad attending Rigging Class in Co Area; one half squad guarding Rotgen [sic] Dam; one and a half squads repairing bridge rail at Rott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2721

1800

Dec

7/44

Co Comdrs paying troops for month of November

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2722

1800

Dec

7/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 8/44

To: 2400 Dec  8/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2723

0800

Dec

8/44

Co A: Attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co B: maintaining roads in assigned work area.

Co C: Three squads constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; three squads maintaining roads in assigned area; one squad attending Rigging Class in Co Area; one-half squad guarding dam at Rotgen [sic]; one and a half squads widening road at bridge site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2724

1000

Dec

8/44

Red Cross Clubmobile visited Bn area and served do-nuts and coffee to the companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2725

1800

Dec

8/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord. K907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 8/44

To: 2400 Dec 8/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Snow and overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2726

0800

Dec

9/44

Co A: Attached to 294th Engr C Bn. Co B: maintaining roads in assigned area.

Co C: Three squads constructing timber trestle bridge at Mulartshutte; maintaining roads in asgd area and one squad attending Rigging Class in Co area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2727

1800

Dec

9/44

Bn Staff & Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2728

1800

Dec

9/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 10/44

To: 2400 Dec 10/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2729

0800

Dec

10/44

Co A: Maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armrd Div Sector. Co B: Maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armrd Div Sector. Co C: Three squads policing up bridge site at Mulartshutte; one squad attending rigging class in Co area; five squads maintaining roads in assigned area of 5th Armrd Div Sector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2730

0900

Dec

10/44

Chaplain Kremer said Mass in the church at Vicht, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2731

1800

Dec

10/44

Chaplain Shay held services at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2732

1800

Dec

10/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 11/44

To: 2400 Dec 11/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2733

0800

Dec

11/44

Co’s A, B, C maintaining roads in their assigned work areas of the 5th Armrd Div Sector. One squad, Co C, attending rigging class in company area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2734

1800

Dec

11/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 12/44

To: 2400 Dec 12/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2735

0800

Dec

12/44

Co’s A, B, C maintaining roads in their assigned work area of the 5th Armd Div Sector. One squad, Co B, attending rigging class in company area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2736

1800

Dec

12/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 13/44

To: 2400 Dec 13/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2737

0800

Dec

13/44

Co A: Maintaining roads in assigned work area in 5th Armrd Div Sector. Co B: Five squads maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armrd Div Sector; three squads preparing quarry site for operation; one squad attending rigging class in Co area. Co C: Six squads maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armd Div Sector; two squads on loading detail at quarry. Co mine team conducting mine school at Corps Hq. Recon Off made recon of roads in forward work area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2738

1800

Dec

13/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2739

1900

Dec

13/44

Co Comdrs & Bn staff meeting at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 14/44

To: 2400 Dec 14/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2740

0800

Dec

14/44

Co’s A, B, C maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armrd Div Sector; two squads, Co B, preparing quarry for operation. Recon officer continued recon of roads in 5th Armrd Div Sector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2741

1800

Dec

14/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 15/44

To: 2400 Dec 15/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2742

0800

Dec

15/44

Co’s A, B, C, maintaining roads in assigned work area of 5th Armored Div Sector. One-half squad, Co B, quarry guard. Recon Off made recon of roads in 5th Armrd Div Sector forward to Gey, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2743

1800

Dec

15/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 16/44

To: 2400 Dec 16/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather - Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2744

0800

Dec

16/44

Co A: Mine sweeping and maintaining roads in their assigned area in 5th Armd Div sector. Co B: Sweeping mines and maintaining roads in their assigned area in 5th Armd Div Sector; one-half squad guarding quarry. Co C: Six squads mine-sweeping and maintaining roads in assigned area in 5th Armd Div Sector; two squads mine sweeping and preparing by-pass at bridge site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2745

1800

Dec 16

1944

Enemy air force very active over area during hours of darkness. No bombs were dropped in the immediate vicinity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 17/44

To: 2400 Dec 17/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2747

0700

Dec

17/44

Enemy air force very active over area during hours of darkness

No bombs were dropped in the immediate vicinity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2748

0800

Dec

17/44

Co’s A, B, C maintaining roads in their assigned areas in 5th Armd Div Sector; one-half squad, Co B, guarding quarry; three squads preparing site for by-ass [sic] at bridge site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2749

0900

Dec

17/44

Chaplain Kremer held Mass in the church at Vicht, Germany, for members of the battalion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2750

1500

Dec

17/44

Chaplain Shay held protestant services at Bn Cp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2751

1800

Dec

17/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2752

2400

Dec

17/44

Enemy air force again active over area. Bombs were dropped in the vicinity the Bn area but no damage or casualties were reported; one enemy plane was shot down near the Bn Cp. It was reported during the day that enemy paratroopers were landed behind our lines on night of 16-17 Dec 44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 18/44

To: 2400 Dec 18/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2756

0800

Dec

19/44

Co A attached to 297th Engr C Bn.

Co’s B & C maintaining roads in their assigned areas in the 5th Armrd Division Sector; one-half squad Co B guarding quarry. Three squads Co C preparing site for by-pass at bridge site. H&S Co operating forward C.P. near Rur River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2757

1800

Dec

19/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 20/44

To: 2400 Dec 20/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast and rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2758

0800

20 Dec

1944

Co A attached to 297th Engr C Bn.

Co’s B & C maintaining roads in assigned area of 5th Armrd Div Sector; one half squad guarding quarry. Co C: Three squads defending roadblocks at Vicht, Germany, Three squads preparing site for by-pass; two squads maintaining roads in assigned area of 5th Armd Div Sector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2759

1800

Dec

20/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376 and operating forward O.P. on the Rur River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 21/44

To: 2400 Dec 21/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2760

0800

Dec

21/44

Co’s A, B, C maintaining roads in assigned area in 5th Armrd Div Sector; one squad Co B preparing site for timber trestle bridge; one squad Co B operating quarry. Four squads Co C completing by-pass and preparing site for bailey bridge. H&S Co operating O.P. on Rur River to observe river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2761

1800

Dec

21/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 907376

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 22/44

To: 2400 Dec 22/44

Place: Vicht, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2762

0800

Dec

22/44

Co A attached to 297th engr C Bn.

Co’s B&C maintaining roads in assigned area. H&S Co operating forward O.P. on Rur River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2763

1000

Dec

22/44

Bn placed on 2-hr alert in anticipation of movement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2764

1300

Dec

22/44

Co Comdrs & staff meeting at Bn CP to receive instructions on movement to new area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2765

1500

Dec

22/44

Water Point at K 907376 turned over to another Engr Gp; OP on Rur River relieved 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 23/44

To: 2400 Dec 23/44

Place: 3 MI NW of Stree, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2766

0220

Dec

23/44

Bn crossed IP in move to new area vicinity of Stree, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2767

1700

Dec

23/44

Bn was enroute the entire day.

Move was completed at 1700 hours when Bn CP and the companies closed in at their new areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 24/44

To: 2400 Dec 24/44

Place: 3 MI NW of Stree, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2768

0800

Dec

24/44

Co A relieved from attachment to 297th Engr C Bn. Letter companies and H&S Co caring for equipment and vehicles. Job assignments not received from higher headquarters as yet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2769

1100

Dec

24/44

Chaplain Kremer held Mass in the church at Stree, Belgium. Chaplain Shay held protestant Xmas services and served communion at Bn GP.

Both services were well attended by members of the Battalion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2770

1530

Dec

24/44

Chaplain Kremer hearing confessions and saying Mass at the Stree Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 25/44

To: 2400 Dec 25/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair Cold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2711

0800

Dec

25/44

Co A Recon in asgd work area.

Co B Two squads defending road blocks vicinity of Grande Han and Petit Han Belgium. One pltn security and maintenance of bridge at Barvaux, Belgium and one pltn security and maintenance of bridge at Durbuy, Belgium.

Co C Alerted for attachment to 297th engr C Bn for possible bridge job on L’Ouithe [sic] River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2772

0900

Dec

25/44

Co B Moved Co CP to Petit Somme, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2773

1100

Dec

25/44

Bn Hqs, H&S Co, Co A and Co C began move to new area in vicinity of Bende, Belgium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2774

1300

Dec

25/44

Bn Has, H&S Co, Co A and Co C closed in at new area. All companies had a turkey dinner at some time during the day despite moving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2775

1615

Dec

25/44

Bn has Co C, 294th Engr C Bn attached and given an Infantry defensive mission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2776

1700

Dec

25/44

Bn Comdr, Ex Off, S3, S2, ADE, Co A, Co C and the attached company proceed to an assembly area near Tohogne, Belgium. S1, S4, Motor Pool and Co Hqs of H&S Co constitute rear Echelon of Bn Hqs and remained in the area near Bende, Belgium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 25/44

To: 2400 Dec 25/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2777

1800

Dec

25/44

Bn Hqs Forward Echelon, Co A Co C and attached company began move to the defensive area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2778

1800

Dec

25/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord. 355014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 26/44

To: 2400 Dec 26/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair and cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2783

0800

Dec

27/44

Co’s A and C, and Co  C 294th Engr C Bn at sched, organizing and defending roadblock positions. Co B attached to 294th Engr C Bn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2784

1000

Dec

27/44

Sgt Apigian, Pvts Bercaw and Bissesi, Co B, tried by General Court-Martial at Corps Rear Echelon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2785

1200

Dec

27/44

Adv CP established with the defensive positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2786

1800

Dec

27/44

H&S Co operating water point at Coord K 355014

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 28/44

To: 2400 Dec 28/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Benue, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

weather: Heavy fog – cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2787

0100

Dec

28/44

Co’s A and C, and Co C 294th Engr C Bn attached, organizing and defending roadblock positions. Co B attached to 294th Engr C Bn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2788

0200

Dec

28/44

Enemy mortar fire began falling in town of Briscoe near Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2789

0530

Dec

28/44

Bn Comdr and Lt Scott left for Adv CP for Forward CP and encountered enemy roadblock behind our position. Pfc Lucas, jeep driver, Co C, was killed in this encounter. Col Liedike and Lt Scott made their way back to the Forward CP. At daylight the enemy began shelling the town with artillery and a number of enemy infantrymen had infiltrated into the town. They were driven from the town by our forces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2790

1100

Dec

28/44

Bn Forward CP was moved to Mormont, several miles to the north due to the enemy shelling. Lt Switney, Co C, received his second wound by shrapnel during this shelling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2791

1200

Dec

28/44

The defensive positions remained intact with no action in their immediate area, but several vehicles had to be abandoned in the vicinity of the former Forward CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2792

1800

Dec

28/44

H&S Co operating waterpoint at K 355014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2793

1900

Dec

28/44

Four former members of the Bn and one repl were received from the Repl Depot

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T

 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 29/44

To: 2400 Dec 29/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Moderately overcast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2794

0800

Dec

29/44

Co’s A and C, and Co C 294th Engr C Bn attached, organizing and defending roadblock positions. Co B attached to 294th Engr C Bn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2795

1000

Dec

29/44

Lt Koehler, Bn MTO, and several men of his maintenance section left rear CP with wrecker for the Forward CP to try to evacuate the vehicles left in Briscol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2796

1430

Dec

29/44

Lt Koehler returned with 2 ton trucks and a jeep which they were able to evacuate. Three 2 ton trucks and a pull trailer were left there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2797

1630

Dec

29/44

Lt Koehler and his men went back after the rest of the vehicles in Briscol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2798

1800

Dec

29/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 355014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2799

2030

Dec

29/44

Lt Koehler returned with two of the 2 ton trucks. Due to enemy shelling they were unable to evacuate the other truck and trailer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2999a

2200

Dec

29/44

Enemy artillery began falling in Bn Forward CP area. One round hit near Communications truck, damaging one switchboard and other articles of signal equipment. All tires and the gas tank on the truck were punctured. No personnel casualties were suffered

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 30/44

To: 2400 Dec 30/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Moderately overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2800

0800

Dec

30/44

Co’s A and C, and Co C, 294th Engr C Bn attached, defending road block positions. Co B attached to 294th engr C Bn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2802

1300

Dec

30/44

Movie “Saratoga Truck”, with Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman, shown at rear CP. Donuts received from Red Cross Clubmobiles at Corps rear echelon were distributed to the companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2803

1730

Dec

30/44

Bn relieved from attachment to 3rd Armored Div and began move back to area occupied by Bn rear echelon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2804

1800

Dec

30/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 355014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2805

2100

Dec

30 44

Bn Forward CP, Co A and Co C, closed in at rear echelon CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Dec 31/44

To: 2400 Dec 31/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Slightly overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2806

0800

Dec

31/44

All companies resting, cleaning and repairing equipment and clothing. Bn motor section working on damaged trucks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2807

1000

Dec

31/44

Co Comdrs and Bn Staff meeting at Bn CP. Co B given mission of bridge security and maintenance at Petit Han, Durbuy and Barvaux. One squad guarding the ford at Grand Han, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2808

1015

Dec

31/44

Col Barney visited the Bn Comdr at the Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2809

1100

Dec

31/44

Chaplain Kremer and Chaplain Shay held their respective services at the Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2810

1800

Dec

31/44

H&S Co operating water point at K 355014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2812

1900

Dec

31/44

All Co Mess Sgts preparing the turkey for New Year’s Day Dinner. Members of the Bn spent a quiet New Year’s Eve, following the completion of their front line Infantry mission, reminiscing over the events of the past year which saw the Bn leave the States in January, land in England and then hit the beaches of France on D-3. The battles of the Cherbourg Peninsula, the July

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001  Dec 31/44

To: 2400 Dec  31/44

Place: 1 Mi W of Bende, Belgium

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Cont’d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

break-through at St. lo, the shelling at Tribehou, the Mortain counter-attack, the Falaise Gap, and then the dash across France and Belgium to the Siegfried Line itself, the roadblocks occupied in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, and finally the move back to Belgium to do their share in halting Field Marshall Von Rundstedt’s counter-offensive, were all vividly recalled. It is the hope and prayer of every member of the Bn that before another New Year’s Eve rolls around that victory over the Axis will be complete and we can celebrate the holiday in the usual manner at home.

 

 

S E C R E T

Transcribed by Bob Kipke – March 2013


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